Cheesy Tuna Casserole
A creamy, cheesy tuna casserole with tender noodles, fresh broccoli, peas, and lemon zest, perfect for comforting family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp safflower oil or butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups salt-free chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 pound Cheddar cheese grated ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked bow tie noodles
- 1 (12 1/2 oz) can tuna in water drained ⓘ
- Grated zest of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 2 cups lightly cooked broccoli flowerets ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked peas ⓘ
- 1 peeled and grated or minced carrot ⓘ
- Bread crumbs ⓘ
- Chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Heat the safflower oil or butter in a medium saucepan.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the pan and stir until well blended.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to blend.
- Continue whisking as the sauce thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in grated Cheddar cheese and lemon zest until cheese melts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked bow tie noodles, drained tuna, broccoli florets, cooked peas, and minced or grated carrot.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs and chopped parsley on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute low-fat cheese or use whole wheat noodles. You can also replace the broccoli with spinach or mixed vegetables for a different flavor profile. For added depth, incorporating spices like garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Tuna Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or roasted carrots for added nutrition. For a fun twist, try serving it with a side of Spicy Marinated Shrimp to complement the flavor of the tuna.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Tuna Casserole contains roughly 857 calories, with 22g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (173% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a sharp Colby for a unique twist. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Cheesy Tuna Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).